Supreme court suggested that the high-powered committee headed by the MHA secretary should also look into the contentions raised by various petitioners
MUMBAI| On Monday Supreme Court refused to restore the 4G internet service in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir instead ordered the Centre to form a committee of secretaries from MHA and Jammu and Kashmir UT Admin to take a call after reviewing the ground security situation.
Supreme court suggested that the high-powered committee headed by the MHA secretary should also look into the contentions raised by various petitioners.
Justice NV Ramana said, “This court has to ensure that national security and human rights are balanced. We do recognize that UT has plunged into crisis. At the same time court is cognizant to the concerns related to ongoing pandemic and hardships”.
The apex court before disposing of the plea said, “Special Committee is directed to examine the contentions made by Petitioners, as well as the appropriateness of their contentions and the alternative remedy”.
On April 29, the J&K administration had told the SC that the right to access the internet is not a fundamental right and the state has got the authority to curb the freedom of speech and the right to trade through the internet.
During the hearing, the Jammu and Kashmir administration had informed the apex court that the speed reduction of the internet in UT is to protect the sovereignty, integrity and security of the country. The Jammu and Kashmir administration made the claim while opposing the restoration of 4G services in the union territory.
The affidavit filed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration said, “It is submitted that the right to access the internet is not a fundamental right and thus the type and breadth of access for exercising the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) and/or to carry on any trade or business under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India through the medium of the internet can be curtailed”.
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